the big question is what exactly would iraq want u.s. troops to do? perhaps participate in counterterrorism measures or some other kind of role for them? and really iraq is wait for the political leaders to make up their mind. they have to figure out that and finish establishing the cabinet and figuring out who's in charge of the defense and interior min cities down here and once the decisions are made, it would be decided on whether or not they want u.s. troops to stay. the white house is open to entertaining that kind of request, but the iraqis have to make it first. >> ed, how long have you been over there right now? >> reporter: i'm coming up on two weeks. having been here. and yeah, about two weeks. >> how -- how do you and also contractors and troops there, how is it dealing with the violence? do you get the sense from talking with others maybe that have been there a little bit longer if this is just sort of normal everyday -- this is what occurs or what do you get the sense of over there as to the violence level right now? >> reporter: sure, i